The Maid of Maiden Lane

By Amelia E. Barr

Book Overview

The Maid of Maiden Lane is a historical fiction novel written by Amelia E. Barr. The story is set in New York City in the late 18th century and follows the life of a young woman named Ruth Meredith. Ruth is an orphan who is taken in by a wealthy family and raised as their maid. Despite her lowly position, Ruth is intelligent, independent, and determined to make a better life for herself.As the story unfolds, Ruth becomes involved in a love triangle with two men: the handsome and wealthy Philip Van Cortlandt and the charming but impoverished artist, Geoffrey Blythe. As she navigates her feelings for both men, Ruth must also confront the societal expectations that dictate her place in the world.The Maid of Maiden Lane is a tale of love, ambition, and the struggle for social mobility in early America. Barr's vivid descriptions of New York City in the late 1700s bring the era to life, and her portrayal of Ruth as a strong-willed and resourceful protagonist makes this novel an engaging and inspiring read.1900. The novel begins: Never, in all its history, was the product and opulent city of New York more glad and gay than in the bright spring days of 1791. It had put out of sight every trace of British rule and occupancy, all its homes had been restored and refurnished, and its sacred places reconsecrated and adorned. Like a young giant ready to run a race it stood on tiptoe, eager for adventure and discovery-sending ships to the ends of the world, and round the world, on messages of commerce and friendship, and encouraging with applause and rewards that wonderful spirit of scientific invention, which was the Epic of the youthful nation. The skies of Italy were not bluer than the skies above it; the sunshine of Arcadia not brighter or more genial. It was a city of beautiful, and even splendid, homes; and all the length and breadth of its streets were shaded by trees, in whose green shadows dwelt and walked some of the greatest men of the century.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1162804335
• ISBN13: 9781162804330
• Release Date: September 2010
• Publisher: Kessinger Publishing
• Length: 356 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.0" x 9.0"